Thoughts From A Mystic

. Religion is not about 'holding a certain set of beliefs', rather it's about a profound 'transformation of the person'. This transformation happens at 'a deep level' within the person; a place that Jesus called 'heart'. It's not important to clarify what this 'deep level' is; analysis of such matters tends to distract the person's awareness, creating confusion and anxiety. What is important is to recognize that the effects of the transformation results in a new way of 'seeing'. Those 'with eyes to see' discover, to their surprise, that what before seemed profane and lacking, is now discovered to be sacred and perfect! In the Buddhist statement, 'nothing special', is the insight that Samsara IS Nirvana! "How wonderful, how wonderful, everything is perfect as it is." [attributed to Buddha] Matthew

. Principle # 2 - People ARE ALREADY awake (saved), but their preoccupation with a fantasy about reality keeps them from recognizing this truth. 'The truth will set you free' points directly to this understanding. Buddhism speaks about all people BEING Buddha(s). A person's ignorance and distraction through desire(s) keep that person from recognizing this 'fact'. Buddhist practice involves training awareness upon reality, especially 'reality within' (which is directly connected to 'reality outside'), thereby perceiving illusion for what it is, and 'finding' the truth, as already present. In Christianity 'being saved in Christ' is similar. It implies that those who 'believe in and follow' Christ have already been set free, by way of His physical sacrifice, 'as a ransom for many', on the cross. This argument is limited, missing important spiritual teachings, in favor of offering a more 'tangible' (easily con...

. Principle #1 - Thoughts about reality are NOT reality. Don't believe what thoughts imply; they can 'point towards' reality, but not encompass it. Matthew

. "Everybody in the world was once a child. So in planning a new picture, we don't think of grown-ups, we don't think of children; but just of that fine, clean unspoiled spot down deep in every one of us, that maybe the world has made up forget, and that maybe our pictures can help us recall ." Walt Disney